Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Vox sat in his chair, surrounded by monitors. His hands skillfully moved over the keyboard, typing at an incredible pace. He was working on designing the latest product for Vox-Tech while also drafting up emails. He knew better than to write emails late at night without proofreading them the next day, that was a mistake he only made once. 

Having finished most of the emails from the day he shifted his attention to focus solely on his latest idea. Most sinners were idiots and quite easily convinced to buy whatever he put out no matter the quality and with a little hypnosis it was childsplay. However Vox enjoyed creating and took pride in his work, most of his products were of high quality, still filled with spyware of course. 

As such it was easy for him to get lost in his work, the only sounds coming from his keyboard as he typed and the soft whirring sounds of machinery. That is until his alarm started to go off. He had moved it into his office when he found himself sleeping in there on numerous occasions, not wanting to walk all the way back to his apartment and too tired to teleport. It broke his focus as he looked over at his alarm, surprised by the sudden sound.

Seeing the time on the front he cursed to himself.

“Shit.”

It was 6am and he had a meeting at 6:30. He had a bad habit of working late into the night but normally he could at least sneak in a quick nap and breakfast before his first obligation.

Beside him on his desk were several empty cans of energy drinks and the wrapper from a granola bar, the only thing he’d eaten in the past 10 hours or so.

He quickly saved what he had been working on and pulled out his phone to check for any urgent messages or a cancellation of the meeting. 

Wishful thinking.

He pushed away from his desk and stood up, taking a minute to stretch and while it did wonders for his back it still ached from being seated for so long. He walked over to the small dresser he kept tucked away in the corner of the room for situations like this. Pulling out a change of clothes he quickly got dressed before walking out of his office.

The one saving grace was that this client had agreed to meet in one of the meeting rooms in the V tower, if he had to drive he might’ve been late and Vox hated being late. He quickly walked through the hallways of his tower, employees and interns rushing to get out of his way. It wasn’t long before he entered the meeting room. He took his seat at the head of the table and checked the time. He was still 5 minutes early, Good . 

Now all he had to do was get through this meeting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Thank Lucifer, that's over.” Vox thought to himself after the meeting ended. It went fairly well but meetings with that client were always incredibly dull. Vox almost found himself nodding off during the most boring bit.

Vox pulled out his phone and checked his calendar to see if he had anything else important that day. Seeing nothing he smiled. When had he stopped smiling? He stood up and started to walk back to his office, hoping to sneak in a moment of rest or at least a coffee.

As he rounded the corner nearing his office he felt a familiar buzzing sound. Of course he wouldn’t get that lucky. He answered the call.

 “Hello, Vox speaking how can I-”

He was cut off by a familiar angry voice.

“VOX! Get your ass down here now . The pissbaby is throwing a fit and I don’t want to lose one of my models again .” Velvette shouted at him.

Vox sighed, “I’ll be down in a minute Vel.”

“You better be. See you soon darlin’”

She hung up the call and Vox groaned. He just wanted a minute to relax after staying up all night but Val just had to go and throw one of his fits. He thought about teleporting down but decided against it, he would need what little energy he had left to put out whatever fires Valentino had started and calm him down. 

He turned around and started walking towards the elevator. His staff left him a wide berth, it was clear from his expression and the sparks flying off of him that he was not in a good mood and none of them wanted his anger directed towards them. He reached the elevator and stepped inside, pressing the button for Vel’s floor. He leaned against the wall of the elevator as it descended.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The elevator doors opened to reveal Vel’s studio was a mess. Well more a mess. Mannequins, bolts of fabric and half finished articles of clothing were strewn about the floor carelessly. Several sewing machines were in pieces, smashed to bits against the floor. Velvette’s models were cowering, hiding behind whatever they could.

While Vox already knew what or rather who they were hiding from, he soon showed himself.

Valentino stood off towards the back of the room, wings spread wide with an angry snarl on his face. He was shouting various incoherent swears in both English and Spanish while throwing anything he could get his hands on. Velvette stood to the side of him, flailing her arms about and shouting at him.

“Val! Fucking hell mate! Stop! Those are expensive!” she yelled at him.

“VAL!” Vox yelled, the lights in the room flickering ominously.

Valentino turned to face him, dropping what was in his hands and a smile appeared on his face. “Voxxy~” he said sweetly although he was clearly still mad.

Vox walked over, the only sounds his heels clacking against the floor and distantly one of the models softly sobbing in fear. Vox looked up towards the taller sinner and pointed at him, pressing his claw against his chest.

“Valentino, what have I said about trashing Vel’s studio.” Vox said, sparking dangerously.

Valentino sighed, dropping his shoulders before crossing his arms against his chest. “I’m sorry Voxxy but Angel-”

The lights flickered as Vox cut him off “I don’t give a shit about Angel Val. You need to stop acting like a petulant child.”

Valentino and Velvette stared at Vox. An expression of shock replaced their earlier rage.

Vox was usually much better at controlling his emotions unless they were brought on by a certain radio demon. For him to shout at Valentino like that something must be wrong.

“Get outta here ya’ talentless hags or I’ll turn ya’ all into pin cushions!” Velvette yelled at her models. They quickly fled the room leaving the 3 overlords alone in the room.

Velvette leads Vox over to the couch, Valentino following behind. She sat him down and looked at him with concern.

“What’s bothering you, sugar?” Velvette asks

Vox sighs “I’m just tired, I stayed up all night working again.”

“You need to take a break.” 

“Vel is right amorcito, you look like shit.” Valentino agreed.

Vox sighs again “I can’t, there’s too much to do.”

“Like hell you can’t! What the fuck are those useless assistants of yours for then?” Velvette quips back

Vox sends her a withering glare which she returns. “Vel-” 

Vox is interrupted as an internal alarm goes off in his system.

“Voxxy?” Val tilts his head

“I just got a security alert. It seems the radio demon has decided to take a stroll onto our territory.” Vox turns on the tv opposite to the sofa he’s seated on and puts up the live feed of the surveillance camera. A grainy red blur moves across the screen. Alastor.

“I think you’re right Vel, maybe I could use a break.” A malevolent grin spreads across Vox’s face.

“Vox, that's not what I meant and you bloody know it.”

“Carino, forget about that radio fucker. You should rest, you can go fight him or fuck him or whatever you want to do later.” Valentino places one of his hands on Vox’s shoulder.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this but Val is right. You’ll just get your ass beat if you try to fight him like this.”

“No I won’t!” Vox pouts. He brushes Valentino’s hand off of him.

Velvette and Valentino share a knowing look.

“Look V, I understand that-” Velvette stops mid sentence as she’s interrupted by Valentino.

“Vel.”

“What!” she snaps angrily.

“He already left.”

“That blummin moron” Velvette turns to the tv but neither Vox nor the radio demon are in sight. She sighs. “I hope he’ll be alright.”

“This is Voxxy we’re talking about, he’ll be fine.”

Chapter Text

Alastor had been having a great day. He was full from yesterday’s hunt and had spent the morning tormenting the hotel’s occupants. Angel had been too tired to make his normal vile comments. Though he eventually grew bored which never went well for those in the hotel. 

After a harmless prank involving fire scorpions Charlie had kicked him out of the hotel for the afternoon. Not that he minded, the weather was nice for hell, it was the perfect day for a stroll.

Alastor strolled along the streets of hell, his hands behind his back and his ever present smile plastered on his face. Sinners and hellborn alike fled as he walked by. Some days while he was out sinners would challenge him. He was bored today and a little scuffle might provide him with some much needed entertainment but alas no one dared to challenge him today.

Changing the direction he was walking he started to head towards Cannibal Town. He always enjoyed spending time with Rosie. Tea and catching up with his best friend sounded very pleasant. She always had the best gossip to share and at the very least they could complain about Susan together and he’d be entertained for the afternoon.

The stroll to Cannibal Town was uneventful. The familiar sights turned his smile genuine. Alastor always loved Cannibal Town. The buildings were short, warm and homely unlike those disgusting, tall, bland buildings that covered most of hell. Everyone was dressed similar to him, in clothing from in his opinion the best era, and they were all out walking around, talking to each other or playing in the case of the children. There wasn’t a cell phone or screen in sight, just as Alastor liked it. 

Everyone was friendly and polite, several of the cannibals waved at Alastor and he waved back. A young cannibal girl dropped her doll and stared at him in wonder. He widened his smile and gave her a wink. She blushed and turned away as he continued to walk on.

Rosie’s Emporium was as magnificent as the last time he saw it, the large building standing tall over the neighboring shops, soft music and the scent of tea drifted out the door as he approached. The store was quite busy today, packed full of cannibals chatting and shopping.

“Alastor! Darling!” a warm voice called out as he saw Rosie make her way towards him. “What a treat! How can I help you?”

“Lovely to see you as always.” Alastor replied, returning the hug Rosie had wrapped him in.

“Now, to what do I owe the pleasure?” Rosie pulled back and smiled at him warmly.

“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d drop by for a chat.”

Rosie’s smile dropped “I’m sorry Alastor darling, as you can see we’re quite busy today and we’ve gotten in some new merchandise which I need to supervise. Unless of course you need my help in which case I’d be happy to make time”

“No my dear, I was just hoping for tea. I know how useless your employees are without your illustrious presence around to keep them in check.”

“You’re such a charmer Alastor! It’s always a delight to see you. We need to have tea soon, you would not believe what Susan said the other day”

Alastor narrowed his eyes “ Susan. ”

Rosy nodded in agreement turning her mouth down into a scowl, showcasing her sharp pointed teeth. “ Susan .”

“I’ll take my leave then before your customers start to eat each other.” he says with a chuckle. He was correct, they were starting to get impatient but didn’t dare act out in Rosie’s store especially not with two overlords right there.

“Farewell Alastor, take care!”

“Goodbye Rosie.” he walked out of the emporium and back out into Cannibal Town, his mood soured by his foiled plans.

Alastor thought about what to do while he started walking. Rosie was busy and he was not too keen to see Mimzy after the stunt she pulled. And…

Did he really only have two friends? Him? The feared and notorious Radio Demon. His smile became strained again. Why did he only have two friends? Surely he had more than two friends. While Rosie was a wonderful friend and Mimzy was fun when she didn’t go overboard, the prospect of himself only having two measly friends seemed…

Pathetic.

He shook his head. He was anything but pathetic. He started to run through everyone he knew that he got along with for someone other than Rosie or Mimzy that he’d consider his friend. Everyone else he knew he either merely tolerated or annoyed. Well if he didn’t have any other friends to go see he supposed that messing with someone he was less fond of would be quite entertaining. Anything to keep the loneliness at bay.

No. He isn’t lonely, he reassured himself, simply bored. Back to the task at hand; he couldn’t bother anyone at the hotel as Charlie had only kicked him out a little while ago. 

Oh.

He had just the perfect person in mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alastor walked out of Cannibal Town into one of the smaller cities in hell. He could’ve used his shadow to teleport but he had time to kill. Sinners and hellborn were once again screaming and fleeing away from him. He paid them no mind.

At first he stuck to the shadows only allowing the security cameras brief glimpses of himself.

Nothing. Well this was a smaller city and quite out of the way but his rival usually kept a close eye on it as it was so close to Cannibal Town.

He must’ve not seen Alastor. Alastor got bolder, showing himself for longer across multiple cameras. Still Nothing. He stopped trying to hide at all, strolling along the middle of the now empty sidewalk, looking directly into the cameras. When his rival still did not appear to challenge him he tilted his head in curiosity.

“If that noisy picture box hasn’t shown himself he must be busy.” he said to himself

“I’ll just have to do something he can’t ignore.” he grinned maliciously.

Alastor continued his walk now with a new destination in mind. While he might be busy Alastor knew that the media overlord wouldn’t be able to not challenge him if he stepped foot onto his territory. As he got closer some sinners cautiously peeked at him from their windows, curious as to why he was seemingly walking into Vox’s domain. Alastor’s hatred for the other overlord and his flashy metropolis was well known. He laughed to himself, he’d love to hear the theories later but for now he was focused on getting under his rival’s skin.

As he got closer to Vox’s territory a few demons got more bold attempting to snap a picture of the radio overlord. Their phones violently exploded and Alastor snapped his neck back at an unnatural angle to glare at them. They ran. Smart.

Alastor soon found himself on the edge of Vox’s territory, bright neon lights, tall skyscrapers and screens everywhere even on the outskirts of his land. He continued walking avoiding the cameras, his smile becoming more forced. Why anyone would willingly choose to live here was beyond him.

After he was satisfied with how far into the other’s territory he was he stepped out into the view of one of the cameras. A few seconds passed and Alastor was still standing alone. That was strange . Vox usually went out of his way to pester him, for him to ignore Alastor on his territory was quite the development. Lost in thought he heard a familiar voice behind him.

“Alastor.” 

Vox.

Chapter Text

While Velvette was busy trying to lecture him, Vox took the opportunity to make his escape. Using the television to teleport he dropped in behind Alastor.

“Alastor.” he said to his rival.

Alastor turned around, his eyes flashing wide in surprise for a moment before he regained his composure.

“Vox, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“This is my territory,” Vox deadpanned “What are you doing here?”

“Do I need an excuse to visit an old friend?”

“We haven’t been friends for years, Alastor. What the fuck do you want?” Vox sparked.

“There’s no need for such foul language Vox. I simply noticed you weren’t spying on me as usual so I decided to come check on you.” Alastor said, taking a step closer.

“How thoughtful of you,” Vox rolled his eyes “I was busy, some of us have actual work to do.”

“HA! Probably still cleaning up after your defeat.”

“Fuck you prick!” Vox sent a bolt of electricity at Alastor

Alastor stepped to the side, dodging the bolt. “Maybe I can see the appeal of noisy picture boxes, this one’s quite entertaining.” he laughed at him.

Vox’s expression turned into a scowl “You would’ve seen it sooner if you weren’t so stuck in the past fossil.” he took a step back, readying his stance for a fight.

Alastor grabbed onto his staff together and slightly adjusted his stance. To most these minute changes would be imperceivable but not to Vox. “Is this about that silly proposal of yours? Maybe I’m not the one who’s unable to move on.”

Vox crackled with electricity “When will you let that go asshole,” he spat “I’m more than over it. Hell, I’m even better off than I would’ve been working with a decrepit piece of shit like you. You would have only held me back.”

Alastor’s smile tightened into a slight grimace for a moment before he reapplied his typical annoying air of indifference. “Clearly. That’s why you decided to go on your noisy picture show to show me up as soon as you were made aware of my return.” he replied sarcastically.

Vox scowled at Alastor before taking a moment to calm himself. While originally he was looking forward to a fight with the radio demon he can feel the effects of having not slept and he wasn’t too keen on another embarrassing defeat by Alastor so quickly after that disastrous broadcast. While he was no weakling even as tired as he was, Alastor was a powerful demon and fighting him in this state was likely to result in his defeat. Not that Vox would normally mind but with the huge backlog of work after the outage he wasn’t too keen to subject himself to more sleepless nights spent over his desk. A voice snapped Vox out of his thoughts and back to the current situation.

“Vox? Are you ignoring me now? That’s rather childish of you.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“When will you let that go asshole! I’m more than over it. Hell, I’m even better off than I would’ve been working with a decrepit piece of shit like you. You would have only held me back.”

Alastor grimaced for a moment. What did that noisy picture box mean? It would have been an honor to work with him! He was the powerful and notorious radio demon, Vox was lucky he had even given him the time of day.

Noticing his grimace he quickly corrected it before retorting back. “Clearly. That’s why you decided to go on your noisy picture show to show me up as soon as you were made aware of my return.”

Vox scowled and Alastor grinned wider, readying his stance for Vox to lash out and strike at him. But the blow never came. Why didn’t he send a bolt of electricity or one of his little cables at Alastor? That was how their encounters went. Vox came to Alastor to try to antagonize him, they exchanged banter and after Alastor sufficiently riled him up he’d attack. But then again he hadn’t come to antagonize Alastor. He had gone into the other overlord’s territory and Vox hadn’t immediately insulted him or struck at him. Alastor had gone out of his way to get a reaction out of him and even then he seemed almost… reluctant?

Alastor turned his head to the side, gazing curiously at Vox who appeared to be lost in thought. Now that just wouldn’t do! He was supposed to be paying attention to Alastor, not whatever was going on in that boxy head of his.

“Vox? Are you ignoring me now? That’s rather childish of you.” he teased, “Although you have always acted rather-” 

He was cut off as a cable lashed out and he had to step to the side to avoid being struck.

“That.” Vox said, barely contained rage visible behind his eyes “Was a warning, either tell me why you’re here or kindly FUCK OFF!”

Alastor watched the sparks flickering around the other overlord’s face in amusement. He paused for a second. Why had he come to this bright and noisy district again? Oh. He needed something to occupy his time before he went back to the hotel. While picking a fight with Vox might earn him a lecture from Charlie when he got back it would be well worth it.

“I already told you old pal!” he smiled at Vox deviously “I was in the area and decided to stop by and say hello.”

Vox didn’t bother to grace him with a response, choosing instead to shoot a bolt of electricity at Alastor. He quickly stepped aside and the bolt flew past him into an unlucky sinner who was trying to record the fight. Their body sizzled and smoke poured out of them. They screamed as electricity coursed through their body, cooking their internal organs. After a few moments they slumped over dead.

“Now this is more like it” Alastor thought “All of his attention is on me as it should be! This will be rather entertaining.” He hadn’t had a proper battle since his return from his absence. 

Alastor grinned wickedly, raising his staff and summoning his tentacles. He sent several at Vox who nimbly dodged out of the way. While it had been a while since either of them had done this dance they had done it many times and were well aware of each other’s tricks and strategies.

“You missed me!” he trilled in glee.

Vox sparked and sent more cables which Alastor easily dodged. “You’d think after all this time you would have picked up some new tricks, old friend, especially with your pointless obsession with advancement.” He took a step towards Vox sending out more tentacles towards his rival, this time they were bigger and thicker. Vox jumped back out of the range of all but one tentacle. It was the smallest one just under the thickness of a telephone pole. Alastor’s grin widened with murderous intent and he slammed it down towards Vox to crush him.

To his surprise the sinner caught it, grunting in pain. Alastor blinked, staring in surprise for a moment at the scene in front of him. The momentary distraction made him unaware he hadn’t put the tentacle back. That was until Vox sent a strong burst of electricity into the tentacle. As the tentacle smoked and cooked Alastor hissed and gritted his teeth in pain. While his tentacles weren’t quite a part of him he could still feel particularly strong attacks although not as intense as if it were to be on his person. That being said the pain was nothing to scoff at, Vox must have sent a very strong blow of electricity to the tentacle for it to affect him this much.

“How’s that for something new?” Vox smirked at him. Alastor felt a strange sense of pride for his rival. That move was rather clever; it had caught him off guard.

“Thought I’d give you one today, you look like you needed it.” he teased.

Vox’s face flickered with a peculiar look for a moment. It would seem he struck a nerve. Using the momentary distraction as an opportunity he made his next attack.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fuck 

Catching that tentacle had hurt and sending that shitton of electricity through his arms didn’t help. It was definitely worth the look on the red fucker’s face as he hissed in pain. Although that move had taken a lot out of him, he was really starting to feel the pangs of hunger and fatigue that ran through his body.

“How’s that for something new?” Vox smirked at Alastor.

“Thought I’d give you one today, you look like you needed it.”

How did he know? There’s no way he knew of Vox’s weakened state. Right? Seeing the look of amusement on Alastor’s face he relaxed. Alastor was just trying to get under his skin as always. He hadn’t know-

While Vox was momentarily lost in thought he failed to notice a small tendril of shadow creeping up behind him. It wrapped around his ankle and flung him towards a brick wall yanking him from his thoughts. He winced as his back made contact with the hard bricks. Luckily his head was fine if not slightly spinning after being thrown.

“It would seem I don’t need new tricks to best you old pal!” Alastor chuckled, a laugh track accompanying his words.

THAT FUCKER

“YOU TACKY PIECE OF RED SHIT!” Vox screamed at him, sparking flying from the open wound on his back shooting more pain up his back. He ignored it, sending another bolt of electricity at Alastor who twirled to the side, avoiding it entirely.

Alastor sent out several more tentacles, lashing out in retaliation. Vox managed to dodge out of the way, ducking slightly as a tentacle whizzed past his head into the wall behind him, missing his face by mere inches. That was too close for comfort.

Vox was seething mad. If he was thinking clearly he’d listen to his aching body. He would escape through an undestroyed security camera back to the tower. Velvette and Valentino would yell at him for being an idiot and going to fight the radio demon. Once they finished yelling at him Velvette would bandage his back while Valentino went to go grab a bottle of whiskey. They’d all sit on the couch in the mutual living room. Valentino would hold Vox and wrap his wings around him and Velvette. They’d put on a movie and drink until Vox fell asleep. Vel would whisper “I told you so” at him and then they’d place a blanket over him and when he woke up they’d all go out to his favorite restaurant for a good meal.

However, Vox was not thinking clearly.

He lashed out like a rabid animal sending about a dozen cables towards Alastor along with several bolts of electricity all at once. He almost fell to his knees with the strain of sending such a large attack in his current state but managed to stay standing. Barely.

Vox watched Alastor with a mad grin, hoping to relish the pained look on his face when one of the blows connected. The bolts of electricity reached him first by a fraction of a second. Unfortunately that slimy bastard managed to dodge all three bolts. He wasn’t so lucky against the cables likely due to the sheer amount of them, not expecting the ferocity of the attack right after being struck himself. One of the cables grazed his leg. He paid the small cut no mind but the next cable to strike him cut him deeper. Blood dripped from the new wound on his side, his suit and shirt torn showcasing his gray skin and the bright red blood that dripped from the fresh wound in contrast.

Alastor let out another hiss of pain which was like music to his ears, Vox's deranged smile growing wider at the sight of his injured rival. His victory was short lived as his rival sent back several tentacles in retaliation. Vox was struggling to keep up, avoiding them narrowly until one of them connected with the corner of his monitor, denting the metal and sending a small spiderweb of cracks across the corner of his screen.

“I swear that wasn’t there before.” he thought to himself

He sent out another bolt of electricity towards Alastor but it was small and weak. Alastor easily dodged it, stepping to the side. At this point he was beyond exhausted and the emptiness in his stomach hurt.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alastor noticed one of Vox’s cables graze his leg; the cut was small and shallow. He was about to roll his eyes or make a snarky retort when he felt another cut into his side. He hissed in pain feeling the wound drip blood onto the ground. He quickly stepped back to the right avoiding the last few cables that lashed out at him.

“That insolent wretch. He’ll pay for this.” Alastor thought to himself.

He summoned several tentacles from the shadows, using them to lash out at Vox. Unfortunately that noisy picture box was too quick and kept dodging out of the way. Alastor summoned several more tentacles and after a few more missed strikes one of them finally connected. With a satisfying crunch it dented his monitor and when he turned his head Alastor could see several small cracks running down his screen. He easily sidestepped the weak bolt of electricity Vox sent back in retaliation. 

“He must be toying with me or trying to lull me into a false sense of security. That cockroach of a man wouldn’t be taken out by that.”

Alastor summons three shadowy tentacles, one behind Vox and the others to either side of him. He lashes out with the two tentacles on either side of Vox causing him to dodge out of the way. While he was distracted the third tendril wrapped itself around his torso and slammed him roughly to the ground.

Alastor grinned widely as Vox hissed out in pain and struggled against the restraining tentacle.

“Get thiszz off of me!” Vox glitched.

Alastor strolled closer slowly making the tentacle squeeze tighter around Vox as he did so. Vox glared at him as he approached. When he finally reached vox he looked down at him with a sneer.

“And why should I do that my dear?”

“YzzzOU little-” Vox was cut off as Alastor tightened the shadowy tendril holding him in place making him wheeze as the air was squeezed out of his lungs.

“What was that? I’m afraid I couldn’t quite hear you.” Alastor chuckled.

Alastor saw a hateful expression flash across Vox’s face as he laughed down at him. Alastor loosened his grip for a moment and Vox coughed before quickly breathing in rapidly. After a moment he strained against his restraints so Alastor tightened his grip again. This was quite fun! He was wondering what he would do next when he saw a cable fly towards him. His eyes opened wide in surprise as he stepped to the side. While he avoided a more devastating blow the cable nicked his ear. He yelped in pain, jumping back, his ears flattening themselves against his head and twitching. The pain made him loosen his grip on the television demon and he was too distracted with his thoughts to notice him squirming out of the restraining tentacle.

Alastor hated his ears. Not only were they rather unfitting of his image, (Having cute fuzzy deer ears did not help to show him as the ruthless cannibalistic overlord he was.) but they would also move depending on how he was feeling if he didn’t pay extra attention to keep the blasted things in check. As someone who preferred to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself, having little tufts of fur that sought to betray his every emotion was quite the bother. And worst of all the dreadful things were incredibly sensitive as just demonstrated. The sound he made at such a minor cut was quite frankly embarrassing.

After cursing his ears internally he blinked looking down at a tentacle no longer containing the other overlord. He quickly up and spotted Vox a few yards away. With the sharp sting of pain from his ear he couldn’t fully concentrate. As such the tentacles he sent to strike his rival were rather sloppy.

After a couple minutes the pain had mostly subsided as his demonic healing made quick work of the cut. With a clearer mind he noticed that Vox seemed to be having a hard time dodging his unusually sloppy attacks.

That was… strange

He suspected it was another ploy by Vox to catch him off guard. That was until he saw Vox attempt to send a bolt of electricity at him. His hand sparked with electricity for a moment before dying out. That was very unusual. He sent out another tendril of shadow at Vox, it was slightly smaller and slower than usual but he still seemed to have trouble dodging it. 

Alastor sent out another slowed attack and this time it connected, Vox sparked and winced in pain as the tentacle cut his arm leaving a large gash. “Fuzzzck” he cursed. He attempted to send another bolt towards Alastor but all his hand produced were two small sparks that quickly fizzled out.

Alastor blinked in surprise. It was rather peculiar that Vox had allowed such a slow attack to connect. He clearly wasn’t distracted nor was he dodging another attack. Even after some of their longer and more intense battles it took more than whatever that was to connect an attack unless he was distracted. His attacks also fizzled out rather quickly which was something Alastor had never seen before. He was…

Concerned?

Why?

Did he care for Vox despite everything? No that can’t be it. He was just disappointed that his amusement was short-lived. Yes, that must be it.

But he had never seen Vox’s attacks fizzle out like that during one of their fights. The only time that had happened Vox had been severely drunk. However this time Vox was very clearly not inebriated. 

Something must be wrong. Alastor felt…

Worried? No. There’s no way he was concerned for Vox. He was nothing more than a source of entertainment and a convenient way to blow off steam. If there was something wrong with Vox then he wouldn’t be able to provide Alastor with the entertainment and attention that he needed wanted. That explained this strange feeling in his chest.

Alastor was ripped from his thoughts as he heard a crash. Focusing his eyes he noticed Vox lying on the pavement unmoving. He cautiously walked over and saw his rival’s screen dark, unconscious.

“Oh dear.” Alastor said, seeing Vox’s rather pitiful state.

Chapter Text

“Vox?” Alastor cautiously calls out to his rival.

He taps the uninjured side of Vox’s screen with his cane lightly. It causes the broken section of his monitor to spark but Vox otherwise remains motionless with the exception of the faint rise and fall of his chest. Vox’s screen remains dark, without the LEDs lit it just reflects Alastor. His reflection looks back up at him and Alastor can see his distress showing.

What’s wrong? Why isn’t Vox responding? Normally that troublesome picture box would showcase an error message or loading screen… something.

Alastor hadn’t seen Vox like this since…

Best not to think about that. It was a very long time ago.

What to do? He supposed he could leave Vox here in his pitiful state. Either his colleagues would come to collect him or he’d be kidnapped or killed potentially permanently by some sinners looking to boast defeating the overlord. How preposterous, as if defeating Vox in such a state was admirable. Besides it was Alastor who had gone into Vox’s territory, his rival was simply defending his land despite whatever might be wrong with him. He felt? Guilty? No, that wasn’t right. Concerned? Ha! There was no way. He could sort out his feelings on the matter later, for now he needed a plan of action.

He could bring Vox back to the V tower. The other Vees would likely know what was wrong. However he’d have a hard time avoiding all the paparazzi and he didn’t exactly want to be seen carrying his most public rival back to safety. He was not a merciful man and did not want to be seen as such it was unbefitting of his image. Besides the other Vees must have seen the state Vox was in and yet they did nothing, worse they had let him go out to fight Alastor in his weakened state. No, bringing him to the V tower was not an option he was willing to entertain.

So what then? Where could he go? He certainly wasn’t staying out here in this loud flashy district.

Alastor let out a sigh. This left only one option. He’d have to bring Vox back to the hotel. To his room.

“Maybe when you wake up I’ll understand why you make me feel this way, old friend” he mused.

Alastor summoned a tentacle to pick Vox up off the ground. The shadowy tendril gently wrapped around his unconscious form before lifting him up. It set him leaning against Alastor who grabbed onto him and almost stumbled backward from the sudden weight.

“You’re a lot heavier than you look. I wonder if it has anything to do with that noisy picture box you have as a head.” Alastor said before they both disappeared into the shadow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The pair reappeared moments later in Alastor’s bedroom in the hotel. Alastor with some difficulty picked up Vox and took a few steps before dropping him on the bed. The bed creaked at Vox’s sudden weight being roughly dropped on it. To his credit Alastor had tried to be gentle or as gentle as Alastor could. However Vox’s awkward weight distribution hadn’t made it particularly easy. Vox should just be grateful that he had landed on the soft comforter and his monitor hadn’t been further damaged.

Alastor begins to reposition Vox into a slightly more comfortable position when he hears a knock at his door. He turns his head towards his door, the source of the sound before choosing to ignore it. He turns back and continues to adjust Vox’s unconscious form. The person knocks again louder and more urgent this time.

“Alastor, I know you’re in there I can hear you.” he hears Charlie’s voice on the other side of the door.

An annoyed expression crosses his face for a moment before he replaces it with his normal cheerful demeanor. He strolls over to the door and opens it, standing in the opening to block Charlie’s view of Vox. 

“Oh. Alastor. Hi!” Charlie stammered, she had her hand raised, clearly about to knock again when Alastor opened the door.

“Charlie my dear!” Alastor said with as much showman cheer as he could muster “How can I help you?”

Charlie takes a deep breath. “Alastor.” she says

“Yes?” Alastor responds, turning his head at a 45 degree angle.

“Do you know why I’m here?”

“I’m afraid not my dear! You’ll have to clue me in.”

“The fight.” she offers

“I’m afraid I’ll need more than that Charlie dear. I’ve been in a fair share of spats in my time.”

“The fight today,” Charlie states, annoyance clearly showing on her face “With Vox.”

“Oh! That fight.” Alastor laughs “What about it?”

“ Alastor. ” she growls

“That’s my name dear, try not to wear it out.” 

“You can’t just go around starting fights with other overlords!”

“I don’t understand? I clearly can .”

Charlie sighs “What I mean is it doesn’t look good on the hotel if the hotelier is going around picking fights. I know that you and Vox don’t exactly… get along but you clearly went out of your way to provoke him! What were you doing in his territory anyways?”

“It’s personal.” Alastor replies.

“It’s ok if you don’t want to tell me but can you please refrain from starting any battles for the time being?”

“I suppose I could go easier on that noisy picture box for the time being if that’s what you wish.”

Charlie smiles at him “That would be great Alastor! Thank you!” She goes to wrap him in a hug but stops herself.

He pats her on the head “Will that be all?”

“Yes! Wait no!” She reaches into her suit pocket and pulls out a colorful hand drawn flyer. “We’re doing team building activities today! We’d really love it if you could be there!”

He takes the flyer from her as she waves goodbye and skips down the hallway.

With Charlie gone Alastor can turn his attention back to his… guest. He closes the door and turns around before blinking in surprise.

Vox is sitting up, awake. He’s propped himself up against the bed’s headboard and is watching Alastor with suspicion.

“Vox. Old pal! I’m glad to see you’re awake.” Alastor says, walking over to stand beside the bed.

“S-zzz-ure. How long have I been out?”

Alastor thinks for a moment before replying. “I’d reckon about half an hour.”

Vox nods, shifting in the bed to try to find a more comfortable position to sit. While he’s trying to hide it Alastor can notice him wincing in pain as he does so.

“You look like you’ve seen better days, is there anything I could get you?”

Alastor doesn’t care about Vox. No, that would be ridiculous. He was simply being a good host, nothing more.

“Fuck you too.” Vox retorts but there’s no real venom in his words as he still appears to be quite out of it. He hesitates before adding “Water would be nice.”

Alastor snaps his fingers, summoning a glass of water and holds it out offering it to Vox. As he accepts the glass Alastor notices the way he flinches at the pressure on his wrists as he takes the cup from Alastor. As Vox takes a long drink of water Alastor sits down on the edge of the bed near Vox’s legs.

After Vox finishes the glass he sets it down on the bed beside him and Alastor vanishes it with another snap. Vox looks at Alastor, discomfort and confusion clear on his face. Alastor looked over him, noting his amusing expression and pitiful state. 

Wait.

Why was that cut still on Vox’s arm? Sinners regenerated rather rapidly and a powerful one such as Vox should have healed that over by now.

Alastor stood up and started to walk across the room to a door. “I’ll be right back” he called out to Vox as he left.

When he didn’t receive a vulgar expletive or snide remark in return he felt his smile tense. Something was off. Wrong. Under no circumstances should Vox be this… docile in his presence.

He hummed a tune to himself as he opened his bathroom door and began to grab some supplies to treat Vox’s wounds. It wouldn’t do for his rival to die from something as pathetic as blood loss or infection. When he returned, arms full of supplies Vox was looking down at his hands with a tired expression.

“I return!” Alastor says with fake enthusiasm.

Vox looks up at him curiously but says nothing. How strange. Normally he wouldn’t keep quiet even while in the middle of a fight. While Alastor always thought the silence would be nice it felt wrong. He sets down the supplies he gathered on the bed next to Vox who still says nothing.

It’s only as he takes a seat next to Vox that the other overlord offers any reaction. “What are you doing?” Vox asks, shifting away from him and wincing.

“Well I can’t have you bleeding all over my bedsheets now can I?”

“No. Alastor. Why are you doing this?”

“I’m not quite sure myself old friend.” he laughs

But you do know. You care for him don’t you.

No. There’s no way. This is Vox, he’s loud and obnoxious just like his district. WHY would he care about him? Why didn’t he leave him on the street at the mercy of whatever sinners happened upon him.

And yet... He does. While he isn’t quite sure why he cares for this noisy picture box he does know that he cares. How strange. Him, the radio demon, caring for someone. Not just anyone either, his rival, Vox. Not that he would ever admit it even under the cruelest of torture. If he didn’t he wouldn’t be here, attempting to nurse his old friend back to health on his bed.

Maybe it’s out of begrudging respect for the younger overlord or maybe… Just maybe. He doesn’t despise Vox as much as he believed himself to. Sure he lacked quite a lot of finer manners but he was a constant source of attention and entertainment. And here in his room it’s almost pleasant even with Vox’s clear apprehension.

Vox’s voice cuts off his thoughts.

He clearly does not find the situation amusing. “What the fuck do you want?” he meant for it to sound angry but it came out as more of a plea.

“Now now,” Alastor scolds, “There’s no need for such vulgar language.”

He shifts closer to Vox “Now, let me see that arm of yours.”

Vox holds on to his injured arm “Why?” he asks with a panicked look

“So I can bandage it up for you my dear.” 

“You’re the one who gave me this cut and now I’m supposed to believe you want to help fix it?”

“Believe whatever you wish.” Alastor replies, grabbing Vox’s injured arm and pulling it towards himself.

“Hey!” Vox attempts to pull away but Alastor’s grip on his arm proves too strong in his weakened state.

“Hey yourself!” Alastor responds cheerfully, reaching over and grabbing a cloth soaked with hydrogen peroxide.

“Let go of me.”

“No can do old pal!”

Alastor gently attempts to clean the cut and Vox to his credit doesn’t flinch away at the pain.

“This would be easier without your coat.”

“Not going to happen, Alastor.”

“Suit yourself.”

After cleaning the wound Alastor wraps a bandage around it. It’s not his best work seeing as he had to go over Vox’s suit but it would do the job and Alastor understood what he assumed was Vox trying to keep his modesty.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Now now, there’s no need for such vulgar language.” Alastor says shifting closer “Now let me see that arm of yours.”

Why the HELL would he think I’d do anything he says. He came into MY territory, picked a fight, kidnapped me and took me to this weird creepy room. And now he expects me to trust him just because he’s playing nice? Not going to happen, I’m not stupid. He probably wants it for some weird ass cannibal shit anyways.

Vox grabs his injured arm, hand splayed protectively over the wound. “Why?”

“So I can bandage it up for you my dear.”

Wait.

What?

This is weird, and not normal Alastor weird. Is he on something? Or maybe I’ve reemerged in an alternate universe where he’s not an asshole. HA! As if. Why would he want to patch me up when he’s the one who cut me? What if…

No.

There’s no way he cares. Not after all this time, not after everything that happened. This must be a trick. Wouldn’t it be nice though if he wasn’t if he actually- No! There’s no use thinking like that.

“You’re the one who gave me this cut and now I’m supposed to believe you want to help fix it?”

“Believe whatever you wish.”

Alastor grabs Vox’s injured arm and pulls it towards him.

Wouldn’t it be nice if he did care? Give in, just let him treat it. It's not like you’re in any position to fight back.

No! This was Alastor. His enemy. It wouldn’t do to be complacent near him. Even if he seems to be playing nice.

“Hey!” Vox yanks his arm back trying to free it from Alastor’s grasp. It hurts but he keeps attempting to pull his arm free.

“Hey yourself!” Alastor responds cheerfully, reaching over with his free hand to grab something.

“Let go of me.”

“No can do old pal!”

As Alastor starts to gently clean the wound, Vox stops attempting to pull away. It clearly wasn’t getting him anywhere and it was agitating the cut and the large wound on his back. Whatever he’s using stings slightly but the pain isn’t bad.

“This would be easier without your coat.”

Oh no. Letting Alastor see his heavily injured back was not a good idea. Even if for now he seemed content to play nursemaid. Once he saw it he’d likely make it worse, or force Vox into a deal, or use the chance to take him out. It was a miracle that he hadn’t seemed to notice it yet. He wasn’t about to change it by letting Alastor see the destroyed bloody mess he was sure the back of his coat was.

“Not going to happen, Alastor.”

“Suit yourself.”

Alastor begins to wrap up the cut, going around Vox’s coat. Alastor listened to him? That was odd. Whatever his reasons though Vox was grateful. Once Alastor releases his arm he pulls it back and inspects the bandaging.

“Everything to your liking?” Alastor teases

“It’s fine.”

Vox thought he saw a flash of something show on Alastor’s face for a moment but he was too tired to attempt to decipher it.

“I will need that back though.” Alastor’s voice brings him out of his thoughts.

“Need what back? The bandage?” Vox replies, confused.

“What a jokester! I’m glad to see you haven’t changed in all these years, old pal.”

“Then what-” Vox is cut off 

“Why your arm of course! I still need to wrap up those wrists of yours.”

“Fine.” Vox replies, holding out the bandaged arm for Alastor.

This time the strange emotion stays on Alastor’s face longer. He looks like he’d be frowning if he could. He almost looked concerned? As if. He’s staring at Vox, seemingly looking for an answer to an unknown question.

“Are you just going to keep staring or…” Vox trails off.

“Right! My apologies. I was simply… lost in thought”

Vox doesn’t bother to reply and Alastor gently takes his arm. He begins wrapping Vox’s wrists, humming a soft tune as he works.

This is surprisingly nice. 

Sitting here while Alastor fixed him up felt nice, almost domestic. He could get used to this. The soft tune he hummed was soothing as his nimble hands skillfully wrapped up Vox’s wrist. When he finished with the first one he gently placed Vox’s arm down at his side before picking up his other arm and starting to wrap his other wrist.

He’s being strangely gentle. Like this I could almost pretend he cares.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Alastor finished wrapping Vox’s wrists he noticed that Vox seemed to be calming down. He was less tense and wasn’t watching Alastor’s every move with suspicion. Alastor’s smile became more soft upon noticing this. When he wrapped the last of the length of bandage around Vox’s wrist he stopped humming and quickly inspected his work before gently releasing Vox’s hand with a satisfied nod.

“Why, you look almost good as new! This might be some of my finest work yet.” Alastor over exaggerated as he gestured with his hands for emphasis.

Vox let out a small laugh “I think you might need to get your eyes checked old timer.”

“I assure you my eyesight is quite alright. I’m unsure about yours at the moment however with that crack on your face.”

Vox shrugged “It’s been better but it could be a lot worse.”

Alastor leaned in and reached out to touch the crack but Vox shot backward. As he hit the backboard he let out a small yelp of pain. Alastor pulled his hand back and concern showed in his eyes as he saw his rival’s panic.

“What were you trying to do?” Vox shouted, panic and fear unmasked in his voice.

It was then that Alastor noticed a familiar scent.

Blood.

Chapter Text

“What were you trying to do?”

Alastor then smelled the strong aroma of blood. Vox’s injuries were bandaged and even open they weren’t large enough to emit such a strong scent. He looked over at Vox and scrutinized him trying to find the missed injury, when his eyes reached his rival’s face he could see the panicked look he gave him. Right, he still hadn’t answered his question.

“I was just trying to get a closer look.” He figured it would be a safe bet.

“Then why were you looking at me like you were planning to eat me just now.”

Ah. It would seem his inspection hadn’t gone unnoticed.

“Think nothing of it my good man!” Alastor replied with faked cheerfulness.

After not receiving a response from Vox Alastor began to inspect his bedspread. Any injury that smelled that strong had to be leaking enough blood to stain. Eventually he saw a large stain where Vox had originally been laying. It was difficult to spot, the crimson colored stain barely noticeable on his comforter. Maybe red blankets weren’t such a great idea with an injured guest. Although he hadn’t exactly had the time to change them. 

Upon further inspection it would seem his headboard was also coated in a thin layer of dried blood in some spots. The injury must’ve been on Vox’s back and bleeding quite a bit.

“Vox.” his voice came out more strained than he intended it to.

“Yes?”

“You wouldn’t happen to be injured anywhere else?”

“Nope! All patched up. As you said earlier, your finest work yet.”

Alastor paused for a moment. When his rival did not take the opportunity to answer honestly he tried again.

“Are you sure my dear?”

“Absa-fucking-lutely. Never been better.”

“There’s no need to use such vulgar language.”

“I’m just letting you know how entirely fine I am.”

“And you’re positive about this? Not even a little cut?”

“It’s my body, Alastor. Yes I’m sure.”

Alastor paused again, giving his rival another chance to come clean. When he didn’t Alastor sighed.

“Then Vox, my dear. Would you care to inform me why my blankets are currently soaked in your blood?”

“I can buy you new ones.”

“That’s not what I was asking.”

“I had another injury. BUT, it’s gone now. I’m fine. It’s probably why the other ones haven't healed yet.”

“We both know that’s not how demonic healing-” Alastor cut himself off, shaking his head. “Fine then. If you have no other injuries then you wouldn’t mind taking off your coat.”

“There’s nothing to see rea-” Vox tried, scooting away from Alasor before he was cut off.

“If you have nothing to hide then why don’t you prove it old friend. ” Alastor said the last part with a growl as he leaned in towards Vox. 

“i-i… I” Vox stammered

“Take it off. Now. ”

“Alastor… please” Vox’s voice sounded small.

“Take. Off. Your. Coat.” Alastor’s form started to stretch and his antlers began to elongate.

Vox shrunk in on himself, pulling his knees up to his chest. He wrapped one arm around his knees and used the other to shield his face. He started to tremble, being nearly powerless and at the other overlord’s mercy.

Upon seeing his trembling rival Alastor’s form returned to normal and he leaned back, ears now pinned back against his fluffy red hair. While normally he would love to have his rival trembling before him this was different…

Wrong.

Alastor had never been good at comforting people, he was much better at inflicting wounds, and instilling fear as before he’d almost always preferred it. And being in hell being in need of comfort was always seen as a weakness so even amongst his few friends and acquaintances it had never been necessary. Most of them would sooner die than show this kind of weakness even in this situation. Then again Vox always had been a strange one. 

Since he himself was not skilled at comfort he decided that he’d need advice. Preferably from someone that was skilled at comforting others. There were very few in hell foolish enough to waste enough time comforting others to have significant skill. Luckily for him he knew one, and she’d be foolish enough to help him for free. Bless her bleeding heart.

Alastor stood up and dusted off his overcoat before snapping his fingers and vanishing the medical supplies. Noticing the slight rise in the bed at his absence, Vox looked up at him. It appeared his trembling had stopped, he felt his ears perk up slightly at this, no longer plastered against his skull.

“I’ll be back in a little while. I have a quick errand to run. Do try not to bleed out on my bed while I’m gone.”

With that he sank into a shadowy portal and disappeared.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Talentless hags! The lot a’ ya! You wouldn’t know taste if it hit you in the bloody face.”

“I’m sorry Miss Velvette. I’ll have the wrist ruffles removed.”

“No. I want those vile dresses burned along with,” Velvette says as she points towards one of her employees. “That sorry excuse for a seamstress.”

“Yes Miss Velvette, I’ll see that it is done.”

“You better or else you can toss yourself onto the fire with those rags.”

Velvette storms out of her studio into the hall where Valentino is waiting.

“You’re more of a little spitfire than usual today. What’s the matter Chiquita? Why did you need me?” Val asks, looking down at Vel.

“It’s Vox.”

“What about him?”

“Are you serious Val? Your own blummin boyfriend and you don’t know.”

“What’s wrong with Voxxy?”

“He’s been missing ever since he went after the radio demon.”

Val’s eyes go wide in shock and concern “Has he texted you?”

Velvette grits her teeth “Nothing. He’s been radio silent, no pun intended. What if that old fuck did something to him?”

“This is Voxxy we’re talking about. I’m sure he’s fine.”

“Yeah…” Vel looks down

Valentino reaches one of his lower arms out and tilts her head up to look at him. “Listen to me Vel, this is Vox we’re talking about he can take care of himself.”

“You’re right, he’d probably yell at us for wasting time worrying about him.”

“Of course I’m right.” Val says with a smirk.

“Asshole.” Vel smiles up at him.

Valentino makes an expression of mock offense “How you hurt me dearest Velvette.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alastor materialized near the common room. Vials of glitter, paper, scissors, markers and crayons were strewn about the floor. Angel was working on two papers at once making use of his many arms. Husk was by his side assisting, occasionally handing him something. Charlie was painting a large banner and Vaggie was standing next to her offering advice and words of encouragement. Nifty was in the corner, looking moments from a panic attack at all the mess before spotting a roach and rushing after it with her needle.

Alastor cleared his throat to get their attention.

“Whaddya’ want Smiles?” Angel asked

Charlie looked up “Are you here to join us?” she asked hopefully.

“Fat chance.” Husk said, not bothering to look up.

“I’m afraid not dear Charlie, but could I have a word?”

“Of course Alastor!”

“Alone.” he responds when she doesn’t stand up.

“Nice try, she’s not going anywhere alone with you. I’m coming with” Vaggie brandishes her spear.

“Suit yourself Vagatha.”

Alastor strolls out of the room over by the bar. The couple follows behind him.

“What do you want, Alastor.” Vaggie growls

Alastor ignores her, thinking for a second “Charlie I seem to have found myself in a situation in which I require your advice.”

Charlie bounces up and down with excitement. “Ohmygosh! Alastor are you going to redeem yourself?”

Alastor plays a laugh track from his microphone “No, of course not my dear.”

“Oh.” she deflates, “Then what do you need help with?”

“If I want to gain someone’s trust how do I do that?”

Charlie lights up with excitement again. “Alastor, are you trying to make a new friend?”

“Not exac-” Alastor is cut off by Vaggie

“As if anyone would be friends with him. He probably just wants to gain their trust to manipulate them.”

Alastor shoots her a venomous look.

“Now Vaggie,” Charlie says, “Let’s not be too harsh on him. I’m sure he has a good reason for wanting to gain this person’s trust.”

“How right you are!”

Why do you care if he trusts you?

“Well,” Charlie begins, “To earn someone’s trust you should prove to them that you’re someone that they can trust! You should do something nice for them. You can also open up about yourself.”

Alastor was not very pleased upon hearing this.

“I think he’ll sooner die by an exorcist blade then open up to anyone Charlie.”

“But-”

“Our dearest Vagatha is quite right, are there other options?”

“You should listen to them-”

“I already do! More than I’d prefer. He does love to hear himself talk.”

“Without interrupting,” Charlie continues and Vaggie gives him a smirk. “And without making fun of them.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” Alastor asks, tilting his head

“Hey asshole!” Vaggie points her spear at him, “You’re the one that asked for her advice.”

“Right you are! Thank you Charlie dear.”

“You’re welcome Alastor!”

Alastor nods and disappears into the shadows.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I’ll be back in a little while. I have a quick errand to run. Do try not to bleed out on my bed while I’m gone.”

Vox watched as Alastor disappeared into a shadowy portal.

Why had he left? What was he planning? It wasn’t like Alastor to back off, he relishes in being where he doesn’t belong.

No matter his reasons for leaving Vox was grateful to have a moment to rest after… whatever that was. He adjusted his coat, hand brushing against his phone in his pocket as he did.

Shit.

The other Vees. How could he have forgotten. He went off after Alastor running on fumes and then disappeared. He was not looking forward to the scolding he’d receive from Vel. However, he did need to let them know that he was safe still alive.

He pulled out his phone to find it thankfully intact and opened the groupchat labeled “✧*̥˚Badass Bitches*̥˚✧”, it was a private group chat with just the 3 Vees, named by Velvette of course.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

********************************************************************

*~~.~~*   ✧*̥˚Badass Bitches*̥˚✧   *~~.~~*

(12:14pm) Vel: voxxy love get ur ass back here

(12:14pm) Vel: im srs vox

(12:15pm) Vel: ur gonna get ur ass kicked

(12:17pm) Vel: get back here before u get in a fight with that radio freak

(12:18pm) Dumbass: Voxxy~ i ont wanna have to clean up your shit

(12:18pm) Dumbass: sont*

(12:18pm) Dumbass: dnt*

(12:18pm) Dumbass: MIERDA

(12:18pm) Dumbass: doint*

(12:18pm) Dumbass: dont*

(12:19pm) Dumbass: Fucking finally

(12:22pm) Vel: vox i can see u on the cameras

(12:22pm) Vel: dont start shit with the radio demon

(12:22pm) Vel: he will kick ur ass mate

(12:28pm) Vel: what the FUCK did i just say vox

(12:28pm) Vel: get back to the tower

(12:28pm) Vel: NOW

(12:34pm) Dumbass: Voxxy is doing better than i thought he would

(12:35pm) Vel: dont encourage him val

(12:35pm) Vel: the fool needs to get back here

(12:43pm) Dumbass: Amorcito are you ok? That looked like it hurt.

(12:43pm) Vel: no fucking shit val

(12:43pm) Vel: he got thrown into a fucking wall

(12:46pm) Vel: VOX!??!

(12:46pm) Vel: im not kidding anymore

(12:46pm) Vel: get back here now

(12:48pm) Dumbass: Vox, you should listen to Vel

(12:53pm) Dumbass: VEL

(12:53pm) Dumbass: Did you see?

(12:54pm) Vel: yes

(12:54pm) Vel: that radio prick is so dead

(12:56pm) Dumbass: Puta Madre!

(12:56pm) Dumbass: Im needed in the studio Vel

(12:56pm) Dumbass: Can you keep an eye on Voxxy?

(12:56pm) Vel: yeah i can watch the pissbaby

(12:59pm) Vel: VOX

(1:00pm) Vel: fuck

(1:00pm) Vel: val ur not gonna believe this

(1:00pm) Vel: he took vox

(1:02pm) Vel: val?

(1:05pm) Vel: val

(1:05pm) Vel: CHECK YOUR FUCKING PHONE VALENTINO

~~Missed Call: Vel~~

(1:07pm) Vel: valentino im freaking out

(1:13pm) Vel: val?

(1:23pm) Vel: are you ok vox?

(1:47pm) Dumbass: Where are you Vox?

(1:53pm) Dumbass: Vox

(1:54pm) Dumbass: Vox?

(1:54pm) Dumbass: Voxxy

~~Missed Call: Dumbass~~

(1:56pm) Dumbass: Let us know if you’re safe 

(1:56pm) Vel: if u dont let us know by tonite tino will tear up the whole pentagram

(1:57pm) Vel: hope ur safe

[send a message to “✧*̥˚Badass Bitches*̥˚✧”]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vox smiles at his phone, as much trouble as Valentino and Velvette can be they do genuinely care. He’s glad to have this little family here in hell. Still not looking forward to that scolding though. He begins to type on his phone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

********************************************************************

*~~.~~*   ✧*̥˚Badass Bitches*̥˚✧   *~~.~~*

(2:36pm) Vox: Not dead yet.

(2:38pm) Vel: VOX?!?!?!?

(2:38pm) Vel: WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU

(2:38pm) Vox: Quite a bit Velvette. Would you like the list?

(2:39pm) Vel: fuck u asshole

(2:39pm) Vel: val and i were worried

(2:39pm) Vox: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you two.

(2:40pm) Vel: didnt mean to scare us?!?!?!?

(2:40pm) Vel: you went after the radio demon running on fumes

(2:40pm) Vel: and then u got kidnapped and we dont hear from u for hours

(2:41pm) Vox: I apologize.

(2:41pm) Vel: come home

(2:41pm) Vox: I can’t.

(2:41pm) Vel: y not?

(2:41pm) Vox: I can’t use my powers.

(2:42pm) Vel: where r u

(2:44pm) Vel: r u safe at least?

(2:44pm) Vox: I’m not 100% sure.

(2:45pm) Vel: dont be an idiot

(2:45pm) Vel: call if u need help

(2:46pm) Dumbass: Voxxy!! Are you hurt amorcito?

(2:46pm) Vox: I will Vel.

(2:47pm) Vox: I’m still a little banged up. I’m mostly bandaged up though.

(2:48pm) Dumbass: Glad you’re ok.

(2:48pm) Dumbass: When r you coming home?

(2:49pm) Vox: I’m not sure. I’ll keep you updated.

(2:49pm) Vel: u better

(2:49pm) Vel: val and i have work to do

(2:49pm) Vel: will u be ok?

(2:50pm) Vox: I think so. I’ll let you know if I need anything.

[send a message to “✧*̥˚Badass Bitches*̥˚✧”]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vox lifted his head up from his phone as Alastor rematerialized in the room. Alastor walks over to the side of the bed and tilts his head curiously.

“What are you doing on that miniature noisy picture box?”

“Talking to Vel and Val, I needed to let them know I’m not dead after they saw you kidnap me.” Vox deadpanned.

Alastor cringed slightly hearing Vox’s response “I do apologize for that my good fellow! After you decided to take your little nap I needed to bring you somewhere.”

“How about where I live? And it wasn’t a nap I fucking passed out.”

Alastor laughed, “Why would I set foot in that awful place?”

“Asshole.” Vox replied, with no real venom

“When’s the last time you’ve eaten dear? I have some leftover Jambalaya if you’d like.”

Vox, confused, took a moment to reply “Sure? And uhhhh... maybe like 16 hours ago give or take?”

Alastor had to keep his jaw from physically dropping. “16.. Hours? What did you eat last? Surely it must’ve been rather filling if you haven’t eaten in that long.”

Vox looked away sheepishly and mumbled something under his breath.

“What was that?”

“A granola bar.” Vox’s voice was small.

“Vox! How have you lived this long, acting like that?” Alastor was incredulous, “You need to eat! 3 meals every day.”

“God Alastor, you’re as bad as Vel. It’s fine.”

“It most certainly is not! How are you supposed to be my rival if you can’t even take care of yourself? It’s shameful!”

“Are you done yet? I already agreed to have some Jambalaya.” Vox smiled at being called Alastor’s rival.

Alastor shook his head and muttered something under his breath before walking over to his kitchen. Opening his fridge he pulled out a glass container full of jambalaya and set it on the counter. Bending down he grabbed a pot and set it on the stove, turning it on. He picked up the container of Jambalaya and dumped its contents into the pot before setting the empty dish in the sink to be washed later.

“Y’know you could just use a microwave it’d be a lot faster.” Vox called out.

“For both our sakes I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.” Alastor replied.

Vox snickered but made no further comments.

After a few minutes the Jambalaya was sufficiently warmed and Alastor spooned it into two bowls. After grabbing two forks he walked over to the bed, carrying the Jambalaya. He set down one bowl on the nightstand and sat down next to Vox with the other. Alastor grabbed the fork and scooped up some Jambalaya before bringing it to his rival’s mouth. Vox raised his arm and put his hand on the radio demon’s wrist, stopping him from feeding him.

“Alastor, my wrists aren’t that injured, I can use a fork.”

“Oh.” Alastor felt his cheeks flush.

Why did I stop him?

Alastor set the fork down in the bowl and handed it to Vox before grabbing his own off the nightstand.

“Thanks.”

Alastor nodded in acknowledgement before watching Vox take a bite.

“Spicy, but good.”

“Of course it's good! It's Jambalaya!” Alastor replied but his smile was more genuine, glad that Vox was enjoying the food.

Vox ate quickly, while he wouldn’t admit it he was rather hungry. Alastor ate more slowly, having eaten at a reasonable time previously.

When Vox was a little more than halfway finished Alastor said “It would seem that you were rather hungry! Would you like some more? You can have some of mine.”

Vox looked up from his bowl. “Oh. No, I don’t want to take your food Al.” he shook his head.

“It’s not a bother really!”

“You fought too, you need the food as well.”

Alastor sensing that he would get nowhere relented “Hmm, alright then.”

Vox’s phone buzzed with a notification and he picked it up to check. While he was distracted checking the notification, Alastor scooped out a portion of his Jambalaya into Vox’s bowl. He either didn’t notice or chose not to bother commenting about the extra Jambalaya.

When they finished Alastor took both of their bowls and washed them along with the original container and pot. He then dried and put them away before walking back over to Vox.

“How are you feeling?” he asked before sitting down on the bed next to him.

“Better,” Vox responded. “I’ve got a bit of a headache from the crack though.”

Alastor managed to refrain from responding with “or from the bloodloss.” and instead asked “May I try something?”

Vox, being more comfortable around Alastor, now responded “Sure, knock yourself out.”

Alastor raised his arm and reached out towards Vox, slowly as to not startle him. He gently grasped the corner of Vox’s monitor where it was cracked and sent soothing radio waves into his rival’s screen. Vox closed his eyes both enjoying the soothing sensation of the radio waves pulsing into him and to escape the intense gaze of his rival as he focused on him.

After a few moments had passed Alastor asked “Does that feel alright?”

Vox nodded “Yeah it feels nice, my headache is easing up.”

“Hold still.”

After another minute or so Vox’s headache had vanished and the cracks along his screen were smaller, beginning to heal. “It's gone now.”

Alastor smiles and removes his hand, placing his arm back down by his side.

“Now,” The radio demon says, “Let’s make a deal.” and Vox feels his heart race.

Chapter Text

Hey I wanted to apologize for having no updates for awhile and give an update on this fic.

As I believe I mentioned before I graduated a couple weeks ago, however in preparing to graduate and events I had afterwards I got extremely burnt out in general.
On top of it I've been dealing with a bunch of health issues meaning lots of doctor appointments that take up even more time.
And the main thing I've been dealing with is chronic exhaustion, Ive genuinely had no spare energy to work on writing which sucks.

I am starting to feel a bit better on the burnout side of things but chronic exhaustion is still a huge issues for me.
However Im not really feeling inspired for this fic specifically.

So all that being said Im putting CPU Overload on pause for the foreseeable future.
I DO plan to finish this fic eventually! However I want it to be something I enjoy writing and Im proud of and if I finish it now that won't be the case.
Im hoping that during the summer with less on my plate and hopefully some answers to health stuff Ill be able to finish it!

However I have been wanting to get back into writing fics! So I'm opening requests for short drabbles on my fresh tumblr ray-wilds if you'd like to submit a request!
In addition to this Im starting a new fic! It's radiostatic with an alternate universe theme! However unlike this fic that I was updating about 1x a week on average I will be going slower with the new fic. I hope to have the first chapter out sometime this month! Or maybe I'll make it into a long oneshot who knows! Either way Ill be sharing some updates on my tumblr if you want some sneak peeks!

Thank you all so so much for the support on this fic. As I've mentioned before this was my very first fic and first time sharing writing outside of friends and family and you all have been so sweet and incredible. I can't wait to resume writing CPU Overload when I'm feeling inspired again and I hope you all will check out my other fic when it releases!

<333 RayWilds